Modular Control Unit for Amusement Machines Using Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing amusement machine control units are not cost-effective in adapting to changing requirements and lack simplified error analysis capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A modular control unit design with a computer-on-module (CoM) and carrier board, where machine-specific components are outsourced to a connector board, and an NFC tag for data logging and error messaging, along with a carrier controller for monitoring and error logging, ensures adaptability and simplified maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If machine-specific components and interfaces are integrated into the carrier board, then the control unit can operate all types of amusement machines, but the carrier board becomes larger and more expensive to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is divided into three separate modules: a universal carrier board with minimal components, a computer-on-module (CoM) containing CPU and RAM, and a machine-specific connector board. This segmentation allows the carrier board to remain small and simple while adaptability is achieved through the CoM and connector board combinations.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier board is designed with universal functionality, containing only the absolute necessary components (power supply, basic interfaces) that can support any amusement machine type. The machine-specific functionality is outsourced to the connector board, making the carrier board universally applicable across all machine types.
2Adaptability or versatility
If machine-specific components are integrated into the carrier board, then the control unit can be adapted to different requirements, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the control unit into a universal carrier board and machine-specific connector boards, the patent enables cost-effective manufacturing. The universal carrier board can be produced once at low cost, and machine-specific requirements are met by adding only the necessary connector board components, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal carrier board design allows a single manufacturing process to produce the base unit for all machine types. Adaptation to different requirements is achieved through the connector board, which can be manufactured separately and attached as needed, reducing the need for expensive retooling and complex manufacturing processes.
3Reliability
If a traditional integrated control unit design is used, then error analysis is possible, but the process is complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-diagnosis by automatically monitoring operational parameters (temperature, voltage, fan speeds) and logging errors in the NFC tag without requiring external intervention. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex manual error analysis procedures and reduces diagnostic time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/error-based error analysis with contactless NFC communication. Service technicians can read error data wirelessly using smartphones or dedicated readers, eliminating the need for physical access to error logs, complex diagnostic tools, and time-consuming manual inspection processes.
4Ease of repair
If the control unit uses a modular design with separate connector board, then maintenance is simplified, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is segmented into modular components (carrier board, CoM, connector board) that can be independently replaced. This segmentation simplifies maintenance by allowing technicians to quickly identify and replace only the defective module without disassembling the entire system, despite the increased structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design enables easy replacement of defective connector boards or CoM units without discarding the entire control unit. The universal carrier board can be recovered and reused with a replacement connector board, reducing waste and maintenance costs despite the more complex modular architecture.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables rapid, cost-effective adaptation to different requirements and facilitates simplified error analysis and maintenance by contactless data reading, reducing administrative effort and manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
Near Field Communication is an international transmission standard based on RFID technology for the contactless exchange of data via electromagnetic induction using loosely coupled coils over short distances of a few centimeters
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a control unit (12) for an amusement machine. The invention is characterized in that the control unit (10) comprises a computer-on-module (12), a carrier board (14) supporting the computer-on-module (12), and a connector board (16), wherein the components and interfaces necessary for the operation of an amusement machine are arranged on the computer-on-module (12) and the carrier board (14), and all other application-, machine-, and/or country-specific components and interfaces are located on the connector board (16).